Averagely new to lasers

Right, im sure you get numerous noobs askign questions about building lasers and laser systems and such, and im sorry for being one of those noobs.

Basically i am a lighting technician at a nightclub (there was a post about a laser at this nightclub a while ago here - http://laserpointerforums.com/f48/laser-dukes-night-club-chelmsford-33549.html )

Unfortunately this laser has not worked for a while, and i didnt get to see it or play with it myself. I am told that the "Tube" needs replacing and that the part needed is rather expencive... not knowing much about lasers doesnt really help me with agreeing or dis-agreeing with the statement that its expencive or not?

Anyway back to the point. I have been interested in lasers for a while, and all i have managed to get is a few of those silly little ebay laser pointers, a 10mw laser diode that i put into a box with a battery and more recently brought a red laser show system by LEX Lighting (please dont slate me if this was a bad choice of laser, it looked good in the video...)

Right back to the subject due to the above interest in lasers and the one at the nightclub not working, I am incredibly interested in starting up a new hobbie, but havnt a clue where to start. I have seen a few projects out there where people have created amazing lasers and laser shows, and on that not would like to look into creating my own RGY or RGBW laser (Not too sure if thats what i would call it as im using lighting terms) that i could take to the club, and set it up to do shows, and maybe in time spell things out on the walls, move and display on certain points into fractal mirrors and so on.

I think the moral of this post is that i need a few pointers, and maybe some walkthroughs or previous projects that people have done that could help me presue an interesting hobbie in lasers and laser shows?

Cheers

Andy

Oh the subject of using lasers at clubs or any other venue where people are exposed to the beam. In the US you are required to get a variance from the FDA to legally do so. Which means following the guidelines and restrictions, and using FDA approved equipment. Home built rigs can get FDA approval but it's just more steps to go through. In other countries you'll just have to check on your local laws.

As far as pointers. Just use the search and start reading.

However, while you will find some scanner builds and information here, PL ( Photonlexicon ) is likely a much better place for that. The vast majority of stuff here is the discussion of building lasers themselves. (diodes, building drivers, hosts for lasers, etc.) And PL has more of a focus on building stuff with lasers (scanners, projectors, etc) or the uses of lasers (holography, etc)

I DO highly recommend sticking around here though and learning as much as you can before you attempt to jump in to things there. I wouldn't call PL 'unfriendly' but they tend to be more professional type people.

But I can't emphasize the 'use the search' thing enough. Almost everything that can be asked about lasers.. HAS been asked here at one time or another, and a lot of people get tired of answering the most common questions over and over.

Wow, i appreciate the very quick reply, and the comprehensivness of it too thanks .

Firstly i think im quite lucky as im in England and as far as im aware, there are no duristrictions about lasers in clubs and bars, and because they already had one i cant see to much damage in having a new one?

Its a shame there are no scanner builds on here as its a very friendly community as i have seen from reading, and i will definately be sticking around! I will continue my endevours into building small laser pointers, and this should help me with progressing into building bigger and better systems.

I will now go on a search and see what more i can find , Thanks